By Bill Parry
Two officers from the 108th Precinct are being hailed as heroes for saving the life of a LaGuardia Community College Professor Tuesday, his last day of teaching before retirement this summer.
Bruce Brooks, a professor of art and design, had just finished his final classes after a 40-year career when he collapsed and hit the pavement outside the Long Island City campus.
“I’m feeling better, but I’ve been told I need triple bypass surgery,” Brooks said.
Brooks had suffered a major heart attack, according to his best friend, Professor Scott Sternbach, the chairman of LaGuardia’s Photography Department.
“He was going to hand in his grades and his arms were full of Christmas presents when he collapsed,” Sternbach said. “When I heard he hit the pavement, I thought we lost him.”
Officer William Caldarera and his partner, Officer Corey Sarro, were conducting a routine patrol past the school when they spotted a crowd that had gathered around the 66-year-old Brooks, who was lying motionless on the sidewalk. Caldarera was the first to reach the professor and found that he did not have a heartbeat and was not breathing. Sarro began administering chest compressions and a public safety officer provided a defibrillator.
After two shocks from the life-saving machine, Brooks’ pulse returned and he began to breathe on his own. EMS arrived and took him to Elmhurst Hospital General in critical but stable condition.
“They knew how to do it, thankfully,” Brooks said. “They couldn’t have done it more perfectly. I’m told less than 3 percent survive without brain damage, 45-seconds without oxygen is enough to cause significant brain damage, so I’m fortunate they worked so quickly.”
Both officers have had experience administering CPR off duty, but it was their first experience using a defibrillator. Caldarera said it was a great feeling when the man began to breathe again and they were able to revive him.
“There is really no feeling to describe it,” Sarro said. “It was a relief to be able to save him.”
Sternbach said the officers’ reactions and training kicked in to save his best friend.
“I met them and they’re feeling really good about themselves,” he said. “Bruce is still having tests, but he’s on the way back.”
Capt. John Travaglia, the new commander of the 108th Precinct, was not surprised by his men’s heroism.
“These two officers represent the NYPD,” he said. “This is what we do. They remained calm in a crisis. They worked together effectively in this high pressure situation. They coped with the pressure and tension they were presented with and handled the situation. Their training, their character and their love for this line of work is how they got this job done successfully. Police Officer Sarro and Police Officer Caldarera are just two of the many officers that preform extraordinary acts every day in New York City.”
Among the steady stream of colleagues and students who visited the professor over the weekend were the two hero cops. “The two officers came in,” Brooks said. “It was really nice to meet them. They’re top notch.”
Reach reporter Bill Parry by e-mail at bparry@cnglocal.com or by phone at (718) 260–4538.
